The Young Communist League of South Africa (uFasimba) is deeply disgusted by the uncalled for abusive conduct of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education Mduduzi Manana of beating up a woman.

We believe that no amount of provocation could have in any way compelled him to act in such a cowardly, callous, insensitive and irresponsible manner. The further irony of this gender based violence incident by the Deputy Minister is that it occurs during Women's Month, and as a leader of society he should have known better.

As a leader of society in government he should be the utmost champion of everyone's safety and security, especially the vulnerable in society.

Over and above that, we call upon everyone, especially the youth, to combat any form of violence against women. This simply means, understanding the fact that such violence is part of a systemic reality in a patriarchal capitalist society that has to be confronted head on.

Such violence is not a mere affair of the victim and the perpetrator, but part and parcel of deep-seated violence against women inherent in a society characterized by unequal gender power relations. And therefore we cannot overcome such a scourge unless we challenge and change unequal power relations.

Beyond condemnations of these "violences" by sympathizers, activists and leaders and apologies from perpetrators, the law must take its course and bring to book perpetrators. YCLSA says no to violence on and abuse of women, that's the bottom line.